Meningitisusually improves whentreatedin a timely manner, but it can cause long-term effects and complications. Viral and bacterial infections are the most common causes of meningitis.
Bacterial meningitis is more dangerous and more likely to cause persistent effects than other types of meningitis.However, all types of meningitis can become severe and life-threatening, potentially producing lasting consequences.
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Meningitis is an inflammatory condition of the meninges and thecerebrospinal fluid (CSF)that usually causes head pain, fevers, and fatigue. Seizures, neurological deficits, and systemic effects (such as sepsis or organ failure) can occur with severe meningitis.
The condition can result from infections, inflammatory disease, or as a side effect of certain medical treatments (such as brain radiation).
Long-Term Effects of Meningitis
Severe meningitis can result in prolonged effects after the acute inflammation or infection has resolved. Signs that the condition will cause long-term effects can begin during the acute phase.
An intense or prolonged bout of meningitis is more likely to produce lasting consequences than a mild case. Delayed treatment or underlying medical illness can also increase the risk of complications.
Persistent effects of meningitis can include:
Severe cases associated with encephalitis can lead to impaired balance and coordination, vision changes, motor weakness, or incontinence after the acute phase has resolved.
Some long-term effects of meningitis might begin to become apparent during the acute phase of the condition due to brain or nerve damage—and these symptoms often persist.
Hearing may be impaired during the acute phase of the infection. Months after your infection resolves, your healthcare provider may examine your hearing to determine whether you have persistent hearing loss.
Seizurescan occur due to inflammation or infection in or near the brain.Young children can also have meningitis-associated febrile seizures (seizures associated with a high fever). After resolution of meningitis, seizures can resolve, but there is a risk of persistent seizures that may require continued maintenance control withanti-epilepsy drugs (AEDs).
These effects can remain for years after the inflammation or infection of meningitis resolves, but they may partially or fully improve gradually over time.
Complications
The long-term effects of meningitis are more likely to occur when the acute phase is associated with complications, as these complications can cause brain damage. Complications generally cause profound symptoms during the acute phase—including confusion, difficulty breathing, and loss of consciousness. These health issues require prompt medical treatment.
Hydrocephalus
Severe meningitis can lead to extensive inflammation, potentially obstructing the flow of CSF in the brain. This may result in fluid accumulation in the brain, which is described as hydrocephalus.
Sometimes hydrocephalus places pressure on the brain and can be life-threatening. Mild hydrocephalus can be treated with medication, and severe cases must be treated with an invasive procedure for the removal of fluid.
This complication can occur with any type of meningitis, but it is less common with viral meningitis or noninfectious meningitis than with other types. Hydrocephalus may occur during the acute phase of meningitis, and the risk diminishes as the condition starts to resolve and the inflammation improves.
However, some people have persistent problems with hydrocephalus that requires placement of aventricular shuntso that excess fluid can be removed from around the brain.
Encephalitis
Sometimes meningitis can spread to the brain.Encephalitisis inflammation or an infection of the brain, and it is more dangerous than meningitis, often leading to permanent brain damage.
Viral and noninfectious meningitis do not usually progress to encephalitis. Bacterial meningitis can lead to encephalitis. And fungal, parasitic, and amebic meningitis usually involve encephalitis.
Encephalitis poses a high risk of brain damage and/or stroke. It can lead to prolonged neurological problems. including cognitive deficits, personality changes, impaired vision, and seizures.
Encephalitis is life-threatening. It can fully resolve with treatment, but if you are at a high risk of infectious or noninfectious forms of meningitis and encephalitis, it is important to take steps to avoid recurrence.
Septicemia and Sepsis
Infections that cause meningitis can spread to the bloodstream, causingsepticemia.Sepsisis a severe inflammatory reaction of the body that can result from systemic infection. These conditions can be fatal and are more common with bacterial meningitis than with other types.
Acute effects of sepsis and septicemia include fevers, hypothermia (low body temperature), blood pressure irregularities, breathing difficulties, kidney failure, heart rhythm irregularities, delirium, and loss of consciousness.
Limb loss is one of the serious complications of sepsis and septicemia in meningitis—affecting between 4% and 8% of children and 3.4% of adolescents and adults who have been infected withNeisseria meningitidis,a type of bacterial meningitis.
This complication can occur when a blood clot, which can develop due to septicemia, blocks a blood vessel in a limb—leading to necrosis (tissue death) that must be treated with amputation.
These issues are managed with a combination of close intensive care (such as respiratory support and blood pressure management), antimicrobials, and anti-inflammatories.
Prevention
Prevention of long-term effects of meningitis involves reducing the risk of meningitis, getting prompt treatment if you develop earlysigns and symptoms of meningitis, and getting help with your recovery after the acute phase of meningitis resolves.
Avoiding Infection
An additional MenB vaccine may be given as further protection against one more serotype. All teens and young adults may get the vaccine (ages 16 through 23), as well as children age 10 and up and adults who have an increased risk of meningococcal disease.
For those who are scheduled to receive both a MenACWY vaccine and a MenB vaccine during the same visit, the MenABCWY vaccine (Penbraya) is also available. The second dose would then be given six months later.
Prevention of Meningitis
Special Precautions
When you are at risk of meningitis due to an underlying condition, it is even more important to reduce your exposure to infectious organisms that can cause meningitis:
Reducing the Risk of Complications
If you develop symptoms of meningitis, it’s vital to get early medical attention. Timely diagnosis and treatment with antimicrobials, anti-inflammatories, or any needed treatments will prevent the infection from progressing. Similarly, noninfectious meningitis can be treated more effectively at an early stage.
Steps to prevent complications include:
A Word From Verywell
Prompt treatment for meningitis can minimize the risk of long-term effects. If you are recovering from meningitis, it is important to be aware of the long-term effects so you can recognize the symptoms you need to look out for and get treatment right away.
You may need interventions like rehabilitation and physical therapy as you recover, and you can begin to see improvements over time.
10 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Petersen H, Patel M, Ingason EF, Einarsson EJ, Haraldsson Á, Fransson PA.Long-term effects from bacterial meningitis in childhood and adolescence on postural control.PLoS One. 2014;9(11):e112016. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0112016Song X, Wen L, Li M, Yu X, Wang L, Li K.New-onset seizures in adults with tuberculous meningitis during long-term follow-up: Characteristics, functional outcomes and risk factors.Int J Infect Dis.2020 Apr;93:258-263. doi:10.1016/j.ijid.2020.02.007Yıldırım R, Cansu DÜ, Arık D, Saylısoy S, Korkmaz C.Aseptic meningitis in rheumatoid arthritis after anti-TNF administration: a case-based literature review.Rheumatol Int.2021 Mar 9. doi:10.1007/s00296-021-04822-6Petersen H, Patel M, Ingason EF, Einarsson EJ, Haraldsson Á, Fransson PA.Long-term effects from bacterial meningitis in childhood and adolescence on postural control.PLoS One. 2014;9(11):e112016. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0112016Dreizin D, Sakai O, Champ K, Gandhi D, Aarabi B, Nam AJ, Morales RE, Eisenman DJ.CT of skull base fractures: Classification systems, complications, and management.Radiographics.2021 Apr 2:200189. doi:10.1148/rg.2021200189Banga S, Azad C, Gupta R, Sawal N, Mahajan V, Chander J, Guglani V.Changing clinicoradiologic spectrum of intracranial neurotuberculosis in children: A cross-sectional study.J Child Neurol.2020;35(13):879-888. doi:10.1177/0883073820938594National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Meningitis and encephalitis fact sheet.Olbrich KJ, Müller D, Schumacher S, Beck E, Meszaros K, Koerber F.Systematic review of invasive meningococcal disease: sequelae and quality of life impact on patients and their caregivers.Infect Dis Ther.2018 Dec;7(4):421-438. doi: 10.1007/s40121-018-0213-2Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Meningococcal vaccination.Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.ACIP Recommendations.
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Petersen H, Patel M, Ingason EF, Einarsson EJ, Haraldsson Á, Fransson PA.Long-term effects from bacterial meningitis in childhood and adolescence on postural control.PLoS One. 2014;9(11):e112016. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0112016Song X, Wen L, Li M, Yu X, Wang L, Li K.New-onset seizures in adults with tuberculous meningitis during long-term follow-up: Characteristics, functional outcomes and risk factors.Int J Infect Dis.2020 Apr;93:258-263. doi:10.1016/j.ijid.2020.02.007Yıldırım R, Cansu DÜ, Arık D, Saylısoy S, Korkmaz C.Aseptic meningitis in rheumatoid arthritis after anti-TNF administration: a case-based literature review.Rheumatol Int.2021 Mar 9. doi:10.1007/s00296-021-04822-6Petersen H, Patel M, Ingason EF, Einarsson EJ, Haraldsson Á, Fransson PA.Long-term effects from bacterial meningitis in childhood and adolescence on postural control.PLoS One. 2014;9(11):e112016. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0112016Dreizin D, Sakai O, Champ K, Gandhi D, Aarabi B, Nam AJ, Morales RE, Eisenman DJ.CT of skull base fractures: Classification systems, complications, and management.Radiographics.2021 Apr 2:200189. doi:10.1148/rg.2021200189Banga S, Azad C, Gupta R, Sawal N, Mahajan V, Chander J, Guglani V.Changing clinicoradiologic spectrum of intracranial neurotuberculosis in children: A cross-sectional study.J Child Neurol.2020;35(13):879-888. doi:10.1177/0883073820938594National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Meningitis and encephalitis fact sheet.Olbrich KJ, Müller D, Schumacher S, Beck E, Meszaros K, Koerber F.Systematic review of invasive meningococcal disease: sequelae and quality of life impact on patients and their caregivers.Infect Dis Ther.2018 Dec;7(4):421-438. doi: 10.1007/s40121-018-0213-2Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Meningococcal vaccination.Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.ACIP Recommendations.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Petersen H, Patel M, Ingason EF, Einarsson EJ, Haraldsson Á, Fransson PA.Long-term effects from bacterial meningitis in childhood and adolescence on postural control.PLoS One. 2014;9(11):e112016. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0112016Song X, Wen L, Li M, Yu X, Wang L, Li K.New-onset seizures in adults with tuberculous meningitis during long-term follow-up: Characteristics, functional outcomes and risk factors.Int J Infect Dis.2020 Apr;93:258-263. doi:10.1016/j.ijid.2020.02.007Yıldırım R, Cansu DÜ, Arık D, Saylısoy S, Korkmaz C.Aseptic meningitis in rheumatoid arthritis after anti-TNF administration: a case-based literature review.Rheumatol Int.2021 Mar 9. doi:10.1007/s00296-021-04822-6Petersen H, Patel M, Ingason EF, Einarsson EJ, Haraldsson Á, Fransson PA.Long-term effects from bacterial meningitis in childhood and adolescence on postural control.PLoS One. 2014;9(11):e112016. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0112016Dreizin D, Sakai O, Champ K, Gandhi D, Aarabi B, Nam AJ, Morales RE, Eisenman DJ.CT of skull base fractures: Classification systems, complications, and management.Radiographics.2021 Apr 2:200189. doi:10.1148/rg.2021200189Banga S, Azad C, Gupta R, Sawal N, Mahajan V, Chander J, Guglani V.Changing clinicoradiologic spectrum of intracranial neurotuberculosis in children: A cross-sectional study.J Child Neurol.2020;35(13):879-888. doi:10.1177/0883073820938594National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Meningitis and encephalitis fact sheet.Olbrich KJ, Müller D, Schumacher S, Beck E, Meszaros K, Koerber F.Systematic review of invasive meningococcal disease: sequelae and quality of life impact on patients and their caregivers.Infect Dis Ther.2018 Dec;7(4):421-438. doi: 10.1007/s40121-018-0213-2Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Meningococcal vaccination.Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.ACIP Recommendations.
Petersen H, Patel M, Ingason EF, Einarsson EJ, Haraldsson Á, Fransson PA.Long-term effects from bacterial meningitis in childhood and adolescence on postural control.PLoS One. 2014;9(11):e112016. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0112016
Song X, Wen L, Li M, Yu X, Wang L, Li K.New-onset seizures in adults with tuberculous meningitis during long-term follow-up: Characteristics, functional outcomes and risk factors.Int J Infect Dis.2020 Apr;93:258-263. doi:10.1016/j.ijid.2020.02.007
Yıldırım R, Cansu DÜ, Arık D, Saylısoy S, Korkmaz C.Aseptic meningitis in rheumatoid arthritis after anti-TNF administration: a case-based literature review.Rheumatol Int.2021 Mar 9. doi:10.1007/s00296-021-04822-6
Dreizin D, Sakai O, Champ K, Gandhi D, Aarabi B, Nam AJ, Morales RE, Eisenman DJ.CT of skull base fractures: Classification systems, complications, and management.Radiographics.2021 Apr 2:200189. doi:10.1148/rg.2021200189
Banga S, Azad C, Gupta R, Sawal N, Mahajan V, Chander J, Guglani V.Changing clinicoradiologic spectrum of intracranial neurotuberculosis in children: A cross-sectional study.J Child Neurol.2020;35(13):879-888. doi:10.1177/0883073820938594
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Meningitis and encephalitis fact sheet.
Olbrich KJ, Müller D, Schumacher S, Beck E, Meszaros K, Koerber F.Systematic review of invasive meningococcal disease: sequelae and quality of life impact on patients and their caregivers.Infect Dis Ther.2018 Dec;7(4):421-438. doi: 10.1007/s40121-018-0213-2
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Meningococcal vaccination.
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.ACIP Recommendations.
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